There are a few foibles in the novel, Dennis (narrator of the story) said "Like the 382's they used to put in those old cars. Like Christine.", & "He dropped the hydramatic into D". Also indicated 1 4bbl when They discovered the car, later "318 painted on the air cleaner" post "resto"...given that, I have an appreciation for Carpenter's crew, doing the movie Christine w/the top of the line '58 engine combo accurately.
